One of the best things about living in Germany is the small traditions and insights I’ve gained into the culture–especially around holidays. It helps to have a close friend who is German and from the area. This was a struggle to cultivate in South Korea.

Last night was our staff holiday party and around the table, people were sharing funny holiday traditions from his and her home country. My friend told me that in Germany, or at least in the Schwabish region, a tradition, of course, is to visit friends and neighbors in their homes. But what you need to know, in case a German visits you for the holidays, is that if a visitor compliments your Christmas tree, you are required to give that person Schnapps. She claims this is how her parents churchy friends could get away with getting knockdown drunk at Christmas. As if they needed a way. But I think it’s cute. Better stock the liquor cabinet.